How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I had friends who had surgery, but wasn't sure I would qualify. My husband was mobilized back into the Army, our insurance changed and I started researching.....They paid for everything, including my transportation and food.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I did everything the insurance company demanded of me. Then when I thought I was done, they requested 2 more tests. I had those done and was approved within weeks.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first visit I was a little in awe of Dr. Wallace. He is very different from what he seemed in the group meeting. I really felt as though he cared about me as a person, not just as a patient. He was very thorough and talked me through everything that would happen.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being the biggest one at every gathering I went to. I wanted to fit in and feel better. I was always feeling tired and sickly. I missed being able to spend quality time with friends and family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with Dr. Wallace and friends who have had the RNY surgery. I decided that if I was going to take a big step like this, then I would go all the way and have the most permanent surgery.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was concerned about the anestesia since I have a history of problems. I was upfront with my doctor and his team and they dealt with the problems. I did have problems during surgery and they handled it all for me.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

Most of them were supportive. My mother wished that I could have done it myself, but was still supportive and is very happy that it went as well as it did. I only had one 'friend' who was dead set against it and let me know it. She still has nothing positive to say and thinks I am losing too much weight now. Maybe she's just a little jealous as she was/is bigger than I ever was. I just try not to discuss it with her and we're fine.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I was off work for 8 weeks and my employer was ok about it. They made me fill out Family Medical Leave paperwork, which used up all my available time. I also used my famly medical leave time for my children - I have two sons with Narcolepsy which can cause them to have severe migraines. I had to use a lot of my sick and vacation time for that since my famly medical leave time is used up. Other than that, they were fine with it. My immediate supervisor was great about it and has been very supportive and helpful. I had to get my lunch schedule changed and they worked with me on that as well...

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My hospital stay was only 3 days total including the day of surgery. It was uneventful and very pleasant. I would recommend bringing a book or something to pass some time til you are able to walk, etc....

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

The only 'complication' I had, was that I scrubbed my bathroom and reinjured my liver while it was healing from the biopsy they had done.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was estatic about getting a date. I was only a little bit apprehensive about the surgery itself. I was more excited than scared. I knew what I was getting myself into when I started the whole process.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

My first weeks were pretty uneventful, except for reinjurying my liver. I had a good and swift recovery and my doctor was pleased with my progress.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I traveled from La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI. That is about a 3-4 hour drive depending on the weather and traffic. I don't mind the drive and my doctor and his team have let me make two of my visits here in my hometown during the winter months.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

In the beginning, I ate a lot of yogurt and added powdered milk to up the protein content. I NEVER use any protein powders or shakes as my doctor doesn't want any of his patients to use them. I did fine on chicken, shrimp, lobster, crab, and pork. My doctor also recommends that we eat no beef until after the 6 month anniversary. I have had small amounts of ground beef in the fourth and fifth months, but no steak or anything like that yet. I added mroe vegetables and fruits as I was able. The first month or two was all meat so that I could get my 60grams of protein in each day.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I started out slow on the day of surgery and built up from there. I mostly walk, although winter in Wisconsin has helped and shoveling is good exercise! I also have been swimming off and on and jogging too. I want to join the YMCA and work out more as my weight loss is slowing down and I need to tone up.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take a multi-vitamin from Melaleuca. It is all natural and the absorption rate is much higher than anything you can buy over the counter. I also have had to take additional supplements for vitamins B-12 and D. They were a little low at th four month mark. Other than that, I did take a pill for a few weeks to keep me from developing gall stones. I also have continued to use my Advair inhaler.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I had some nausea after I ate, if I ate too fast. My doctor recommended using a tiny spoon and then laying it down between bites. I did this and as long as I didn't rush my meals, I was ok. I had some pain after surgery when I over did. I pulled my liver loose from the abdominal wall and that was the most painful part. I did have some hair loss. It started at about 4-5 months and continued until almost 6 months. I was told this is average and not unusual. I used Nyoxin Shampoo and Conditioner and thickening shampoos. My hair was always very thick, so this wasn't a great concern. I noticed the hair loss as I was pulling a hand-full each day from my comb and shower, but most people didn't really notice.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

I would say the worst part was when I re-injured my liver trying to do too much too soon. Everything about my surgery was great! My doctor and team did everything they could to make it easy on me and they have been wonderful!!! I did have problems during surgery that I was not even aware of. They had to intubate me through my nose since my jaw locked up, but they were aware that this may happen and were very prepared for it all.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I haven't gone to any support groups. I do have a few friends who are trying to get approved and they have been very supportive. My family and the majority of my friends have been great.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I only have 5 very small scars. As they are still healing, I am not sure what they will be like long term, but for now they are small purple marks.... At 6 months, they have faded a bit, but are still just little purple lines, no big deal at all...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau around Christmas, and only lost 7 pounds that month. I wasn't too surprised as I had been warned and it was Christmas, so I ate more than I had been eating. I have been losing about 7-10 pounds a month the last two months where I had lost 10-15 per month up until the fourth month. It is still coming off and the sizes are coming off. They tell me that it does slow down and there is a time of re-positioning that your body goes through, so I think that is where I am now. I am still going down in jeans sizes, so I am staying positive.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice people treating me differently. Men are more responsive and it's nice to be told how good you look. I have had people who didn't really give me time of day when I was heavy, spend time with me now. I really notice it when people look at me and I know it's not because I'm so fat, but because I look good now. Even my teenager's friends have told me I'm looking good!! It feels great!